PROTECT Act

HR 5693, the PROTECT Act, prohibits public colleges and universities receiving federal funding from entering agreements with private equity firms or foreign sovereign wealth funds that transfer ownership, revenue rights, or control over intercollegiate athletics programs. It directly affects public institutions of higher education, requiring them to certify annually that they have no such agreements and disclose exceptions like charitable gifts or simple sponsorships. The bill amends the Higher Education Act to ban arrangements conveying revenue interests or control over sports teams, media rights, facilities, or scheduling decisions to private investors. Exceptions include fee-for-service contracts, tax-exempt bond financing, and sponsorships without revenue-sharing. The law aims to protect college sports from conflicts between profit motives and educational missions.